Robert Andino knocked the Red Sox out of the 2011 playoffs with a walk-off hit, but will need to negotiate a bit before turning the same trick in a Mariners uniform. Photo Credit: AP

Tonight was the deadline for all teams to tender contracts to arbitration eligible players and the Mariners did so with everybody except for infielder Robert Andino, acquired just last week from Baltimore for Trayvon Robinson. But don’t fret: though Andino is now a free agent, the team will attempt to re-sign him to a more team-friendly contract that he looked poised to get via arbitration.

Andino earned $1.3 million last season and stood to earn close to $2 million in arbitration. The Mariners don’t really want to be spending that on a backup infielder, so will now look to negotiate. It’s doubtful Andino will find any takers at his potential arbitration price on the open market, given his mediocre offensive numbers last season.

The Mariners also reached a one-year deal with relief pitcher Josh Kinney, while tendering contracts to shortstop Brendan Ryan, pitcher Jason Vargas, reliever Shawn Kelley and catcher John Jaso. Those four can either agree to a contract with the club or proceed into arbitration.